Marin Small Business Development Center

Next week...Video Marketing & Reels: Create Content That Connects

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Oct 8 12:00 pm — 1:30 pm

In today's digital world, video content—especially reels—is one of the most effective ways to capture attention, connect with your audience, and drive results.

Whether you're promoting your products, services, or brand story, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to create videos and reels that draw in your target customers, all using just your smartphone.

You'll also get a look at how AI tools can help speed up the process, from generating images to creating video content.

Register today: https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/video4/

Mastering the Funding Process: A Guide to Getting Approved

When: Oct 13, 12:00 pm — 1:30 pm

Securing funding is a critical step for business growth, but navigating the application process and knowing what lenders are truly looking for can be a challenge.

This is your chance to get answers directly from the source and learn how to make your funding process smoother and easier.

Register today: https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/funding3/

Get Found on Google: Improve Your Visibility

When potential customers search online for products or services, will they find your business—or a competitor? Learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile, apply essential SEO principles to your website, and understand how newer search technologies such as AI Overviews and generative search may affect the way customers discover local businesses.

TUESDAY SEPT 29 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM

Register today! https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/googleprofile2/

Streamlining Everyday Business with AI

Discover how AI can simplify your day-to-day operations.

Learn a simple framework for spotting the biggest opportunities, explore real-world examples from other businesses, and see how to build workflows that fit naturally into the way you already work.

Implement some of the strategies, then join us for the clinic the following week to get your questions answered in more depth.

TUESDAY SEPT 15 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM Part 1 Workshop
TUESDAY SEPT 22 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM Part 2 Clinic

Register today! https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/ai5/

Creative Marketing That Works

Looking for fresh ideas to advance your marketing?

Explore practical, creative marketing ideas that help you attract new customers, strengthen existing relationships, and build long-term visibility for your business.

This is for you if you desire to expand your marketing efforts beyond social media and walk away with actionable ideas you can begin using right away.

THURSDAY SEPT 10 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM

Register today at https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/marketing1/

From Idea to Income...

The Entrepreneurial Leap: Are you ready?

If you've been dreaming of turning a passion, skill, or experience into income but don't know where to begin, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence to take your first real steps.

WEDNESDAY SEPT 2 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Register at: https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/wfy5/

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

• How to identify and avoid common pitfalls, scams, and expensive mistakes
• How to assess the benefits and risks of self-employment to help you make an informed decision
• Simple exercises and tools to pinpoint the business idea that truly fits your strengths and lifestyle
• A step-by-step overview of what it takes to launch—from concept to your first customer

Turn Your Creative Practice Into A Thriving Business with This Artist Business Mini Accelerator

This three-month program will help you bring structure and strategy to your creative practice. Over 6 sessions, you'll work with expert business advisors on financial management, marketing, pricing, and goal-setting.

Plus, connect with a supportive community of fellow artists.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: Every second Wednesday from Sept 9 - Nov 18, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Alternating in-person in San Rafael and via Zoom

𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁: Free- a $2500 value, funded by Marin SBDC partners

Apply by August 28, 2026 at https://www.marinsbdc.org/event/art2/

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready helps small businesses reach their benchmarks with free resources and $10,000 grants.

Register for and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events at any time between now and the end of the year to unlock the grant application.

Apply once to remain eligible for $10,000 grants awarded throughout 2026.

Application review begins in June and goes through December 2026. Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected for grants. Yours could be next!

Visit: https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/funding

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴?

This program will give you the knowledge, mentorship, and community you need to build the business you envision.

Complete the program requirements and become eligible to apply for a grant up to $5,000 with West Marin Fund. All West Marin industries and sectors are welcome. This is in partnership with County of Marin MSP and West Marin Fund.

Program Details:
• 12 to 15 classes, once a week, offered in English
• Time: Every Thursday 6:00 – 8:30 pm, starting August 13th
• Location: Online via Zoom and in-person in Point Reyes Station
• No cost (a $3500 value)

Apply now at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtlOF3u8ONK4zVC9E8ABbobXS9aTaXw5WlUonXL2kbr66buQ/viewform

$5000 Grant Through Restaurants Care Resilience Fund

Apply by June 30

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is offering $5,000 grants to independent restaurants and commercial caterers to invest in kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, employee training, and unexpected hardships.

These grants are designed to help restaurants strengthen their business, support their teams, and prepare for the future.

More information: https://restaurantscare.org/resilience/